He said: ‘These figures largely show that Hampshire Constabulary is getting to grips with tackling metal theft – an offence that has been a real scourge in my consistency along with other forms of rural crime.

‘The statistics come on the back of a very constructive meeting with Andy who made it clear that tackling rural crime and speeding in villages were a priority for the force and that is great news.

‘Although there has been an overall rise in metal theft this year due, I believe, to better recording, I’m still convinced the police are starting to win this battle.’